The dengue outbreak in Kolkata is not an epidemic, officials said on Tuesday.

At least 18 people have died and about 1,900 are suffering from dengue across West Bengal, with the worst outbreak being reported from the capital Kolkata.

"Dengue detection is being properly carried out in Kolkata, which is why the number of cases seems high. But there is no need to panic. Dengue is completely under control in the city," state Urban and Municipal Affairs Minister Asok Bhattacharya was quoted as saying on Monday on The Telegraph newspaper website.